Tasting Kitchen (TK) Magazine Showcases the Year-round Appeal of Niseko
The latest edition of Hong Kong and Macau’s most stylish food-and-wine glossy takes readers on a captivating four-season tour of Japan’s premier ski and leisure resort.
Hong Kong, 11 October 2019 — Tasting Kitchen (TK), Asia’s leading luxury gastronomy magazine, has partnered with the Niseko Promotion Board to create North to Niseko, a special themed issue to be distributed at the upcoming G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting. The annual global conference of tourism ministers and tourism-related organizations from the G20 countries takes place 25-26 October inKutchan-cho, Hokkaido, at the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono.
North to Niseko bursts with the vibrant images and insightful writing that award-winning TK is noted for. The issue highlights every aspect of the region’s appeal, from its thriving arts and crafts scene to its burgeoning array of luxuryaccommodations, from picturesque farms and fishing villages to exceptional foodand drink establishments. “Travelers to Niseko,” says TK Publisher Mark Hammons, “are most often drawn by the region’s famous winter activities, but, aswe so delightfully discovered this past August, its outdoor lifestyle and diningdestinations hold an equal allure.”
TK Director of Photography David Hurting, Senior Writer Mamie Chen, andcontributor Andrea Lo traveled to Niseko to explore the region’s distinctive flavors and the work of some of its most innovative chefs, including Shinichi Maeda of modern Japanese restaurant An Dining. “Mead’s summer menu,” writes Chen, “is a bountiful homage to the produce and seafood that Hokkaido is famous for.”
Yuchi Kamimura of Niseko’s Michelin-starred Kamimura is another featured chef, whose year-round seasonal menus make the most of the area’s plenty. “In the winter,” he says, “Niseko is so busy, and I love the energy and atmosphere. In the summer, I enjoy finding and cooking fresh Hokkaido ingredients – how good is that?” Of North to Niseko, Hammons remarks, "Food and travel are driving passions for TK‘s readers, and they are eager for both kinds of adventures. In this issue, we wanted to provide an exciting vicarious experience, and I’d tell our audience that the best approach is simply to read on, get inspired, and plan a Niseko journey of their own.”
Using traditional Japanese techniques, Niseko metalsmith Masafumi Sawadacreates imaginative works of iron and copper.
Chef Yuichi Kamimura of Niseko’s Michelin-starred Kamimura finds inspiration for his French-influenced dishes in the region’s bounty of fresh seasonal ingredients.
At Teuchi-Soba Ichimura in Niseko, authentic soba noodles are handmade using locally sourced stone-ground buckwheat and water from Niseko’s own natural spring.
The summer Kutchan Jaga Festival, one of a number of special events held around the year in the Niseko region, pays tribute to the town’s famous potatoes with a massive parade and fireworks display.
Toshiba’s Bar, Niseko’s favorite watering hole, features unique cocktails like Smoked Penicillin, made with Yoichi Japanese whiskies anddramatically presented under a smoke-filled dome.
Niseko’s Takahashi Dairy Farm - Milk Kobo produces delicious ice creams and dairy desserts from the rich milk that Hokkaido is renowned for.
ABOUT TASTING KITCHEN (TK)
Tasting Kitchen (TK) is the region’s foremost luxury gastronomy magazine. Published every two months in English and Chinese, TK is a celebration of the world’s finest restaurants, greatest chefs, and most delicious food. Our mission is simple: to share our enthusiasm for all the great culinary experiences the world has to offer.
TK, which is distributed in Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, reaches an affluent audience of 300,000 readers.
It can be found in nearly all of the region’s best hotels, at more than 600 fine restaurants, in more than a hundred private clubs, on ferries, and in airplane lounges, boutique coffee shops, bookstores, wine shops, and gourmet food emporiums.
With a total circulation of 20,000 in Hong Kong and 10,000 in Macau, TK continues to expand its reach across Greater China by building a comprehensive epicurean lifestyle brand through innovative and inspiring content geared toward the world’s largest F&B market. Total circulation in the mainland China market is now 30,000.
TK also maintains a dynamic social media presence, with over 48,000 Facebook fans and the highest engagement rate of any media in the region: facebook.com/tastingkitchen
TK's online archives: tasting-kitchen.com
Niseko Promotion Board: nisekotourism.com
Winter Public Parking in Hirafu
Kutchan Town Tourism Division will open the baseball field of Sun Sport for temporary parking space in winter 2019-20. Advanced registration is not required.
Operation period: From Middle December, 2019 to end of March 2020
Hour: 8am-0am *No parking is allowed from 0am to 8am for snow clearing.
Please download the flyer PDF data from HERE.
INQUIRY:
Kutchan Town Tourism Division TEL 0136-23-3388
Email: [email protected]
2019-20 Niseko Tourism Locals Card Will Launch on Nov 18th!!
Fantastic deals available exclusively to “Explore Niseko x Niseko Tourism Locals Card” holders!
The largest discount program for Niseko locals will launch from Monday, 18th! There are MORE THAN 90 different special offers on restaurants, activities, rentals, etc. exclusively for Niseko Tourism members and their staffs.
To apply for the locals card, please submit your application form.
Here are the two locations to pick up your cards:
1. Hirafu Area - Niseko Tourism office, located at Sun Sports Land: 41-5 Aza Kabayama, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0078
2. Hirafu Area (after 2nd December) - Explore Niseko Front Desk, located on the 1st floor of Odin Place: 190-13 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
When picking up, please bring your identification and proof of the company you work for.
Come Join the Hokkaido Wine Tasting Event
The Hokkaido Government Office will be hosting a wining tasting event to showcase the different wine selections made in Hokkaido. Come enjoy some delicious local wine and cheese.
Event Date: Thursday, 28 November
Event Period: 13:00-16:00 (Feel free to join anytime)
Event Location: Hirafu 188
Fee: FREE OF CHARGE
*English translator available during the event
To apply, please email [email protected]
Any questions, please contact: Hokkaido Wine Cluster
TEL: 0134-64-558
Temporary KOBAN/ Police Station Hirafu Branch Information!!
Please find below the temporary KOBAN (Police Station) operation hrs:
-
- 1st December 2019 ~ 14th December 2019 : 9:00 ~17:00
- 15th December 2019 ~ 10th March 2020 : 24hrs
- 15th March ~ 20th Mar: 9:00 ~17:00
- Any questions, please call Hirafu Police Station: TEL 0136-55-6234
Want to Win a 5 Day Niseko United All Mountain Pass or ¥30,000 to Spend in Niseko? Fill Out 2019-20 Niseko Guest Survey!
13th is no longer a bad luck number! 2 lucky winners will be annouced on the 13th of the month throughout this winter!
For the 2019-20 Niseko Guest Survey, Niseko United & Visa are partnering up and offering even better prizes for YOU, who is helping us to make Niseko a better winter destination with your feedback!
Fill out the quick survey below and you might become one of the 2 lucky winners to win a 5 day Niseko United All Mountain Liftpass or ¥30,000 cash voucher from VISA to use in Niseko. The winners will be announced on the 13th of every month, starting December 2019 through May 2020. So submit NOW!
Photo by Aaron Jamieson
By submitting an entry to this NPB Lucky Prize Draw, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Niseko Tourism, and that you satisfy all eligibility requirements.
Niseko Village Golf Course and Hilton Niseko Village Award in The 6th Annual World Golf Awards
Niseko Village is pleased and honoured to be receiving two prestigious awards at the 6th Annual World Golf Awards, an established event serving to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations.
The coveted “Japan’s Best Golf Course 2019” title was awarded to Niseko Village Golf Course for the fifth consecutive year beginning from 2015, and the title of “Japan’s Best Golf Hotel 2019” was previously awarded to Hilton Niseko Village in year 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018.
The World Golf Awards™ is part of World Travel Awards™, and is currently celebrating its 26th anniversary. Over the past six years, this award has created much excitement within golf tourism, seeing prestigious hotels and golf courses being nominated across more than 80 countries around the world. Voting criteria took everything into evaluation, from the location and convenience, to facilities and services. All the winners were announce based on the results of online voting by professionals within the industry – from senior executives and media professionals to travel buyers and operators to golf tourism consumers.
Niseko Village Golf Course and Hilton Niseko Village shared their thoughts on the awards as below;
Satoshi Maeda, Sales Manager, Niseko Village Golf Course
“I am very honoured that Niseko Village Golf Course has been awarded for the fifth time as Japan’s best golf course. I would like to thank all the players for choosing us and we will continue to improve the course condition to ensure a golf course of utmost quality. Niseko Village has been a popular choice for golf enthusiasts with an increase of players annually and we look forward to welcoming all golf enthusiasts to enjoy a world class golfing experience.”
Fabio Berto, General Manager, Hilton Niseko Village
“The team and I are humbly honoured to receive this prestigious award for the 5th time. Being re-confirmed as voters’ preferred choice is testament to the fact that Hilton Niseko Village is a top Golf Hotel within Japan. The great golf courses laid out by Niseko Village “Always in Season” combined with Hokkaido’s beautiful nature, its mild climate, the fresh and varied local food, make Niseko the perfect place where you can make the most of a playful and relaxing Golf vacation.
I’m looking forward to welcoming back our loyal players and to greet new ones in the 2020 Golf Green Season, from next spring.”
For more information on the World Golf Award, please visit the official website.
https://worldgolfawards.com/
About Niseko Village
Nestled at the south base of 1308m Mount Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village sits within the Niseko United ski area that accesses inter-linked ski resorts boasting a combined total of 2,191 acres of skiable terrain. Often compared to world-class ski resorts like Aspen in Colorado and Kutchan’s sister city, St. Moritz in Switzerland, Niseko Village comprises of eight exclusive Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse that redefines alpine living, Hilton Niseko Village – voted ‘Best Ski Resort Hotel in Japan’ by World Ski Awards 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, The Green Leaf Niseko Village, spa and onsen facilities, a dining and retail village hub, the Niseko Village skifield – renowned for its dry champagne powder at low-altitude, variety of sky terrains, the world-class Niseko Village Snow School and Kids School™ programmes. Hinode Hills Niseko Village, the highly anticipated all-suite hotel opens for arrivals on 1st December 2019.
In summer, the resort transforms into a popular destination with two high acclaimed golf courses, one designed by Arnold Palmer, an outdoor Pure at Niseko Village nature park and a host of active pursuits. Set in stunning landscapes of timeless beauty all year round, Niseko Village is always in season. Visit www.niseko-village.com for reservations or to find out the latest happenings and events at Niseko Village.
About Hilton Niseko Village
Hilton Niseko Village is Japan’s premium all-in-one mountain resort all though the year. This 506 guest room hotel boasts a variety of restaurants and bars, an award winning spa, Onsen natural hot springs and fitness room for 24 hours, newly renovated Deluxe Family Room which can accommodate up to 4 persons in a room, and offers the premium mountain resort experience all thorough they year. Set at the foot of the Niseko Annupuri Mountain, in green season, outdoor activity such as Rafting, Biking, Hiking, and Mountain climbing are popular activities to enjoy great nature of Niseko. Hilton is also known as offering world-class skiing and snowboarding experience with a stunning natural backdrop and the world-famous deep pure powder snow in winter. Offering ski-in and ski-out access with manned Ski Valet Service for the best guest convenience. The Niseko Village gondola is adjacent to the hotel, bringing you to the top of the mountain in seven minutes. Please visit the hotel website for more information at niseko.hilton.com and on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
About YTL Hotels
YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages with a hospitality footprint across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, Australia, France and the United Kingdom, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the World’s Best Resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK. The group also co-owns the Eastern and Oriental Express luxury train. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the only hotel in Bath to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World’s collection of legendary hotels, was named in the 2017 Condé Nast Traveller Awards World Top 100. The portfolio also encompasses the ownership management of a number of Marriott properties in Australia and Kuala Lumpur as well as properties under the brand’s prestigious Autograph Collection banner. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is the latest addition to this partnership. Future plans include the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Japan which is set to complement YTL Hotels’ master plan for Niseko Village.
With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Visit http://www.ytlhotels.com/ for more information and follow us on our social media platforms for #YTLTravels on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
IMAGES
For high-resolution images, please visit www.ytlhotels.com/mediagallery and register for immediate access. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the YTL Travel Centre at +60 3 2783 1000 or email [email protected]
FOR MEDIA ENQURIES:
Jessica Yong
Director, Marketing & Communications
Email: [email protected]
Vanessa Han
Marketing Communications Manager
Niseko Village
Email: [email protected]
Yoko Koseki
Marketing Communications Manager
Hilton Niseko Village
Email: [email protected]
Explore Niseko to Launch New Booking Centers in Partnership with Rhythm Japan
As a part of an ongoing growth strategy, Explore Niseko is excited to announce the launch of a new activity booking desk for the upcoming winter season.
We have partnered with Rhythm Japan and will be opening a booking desk in the new Rhythm Base Mega Store. The newly built 1,200 sqm store will be home to an Explore Niseko activity booking desk as part of Rhythm Japans new integrated concept store that will open in December 2019.
“Collaboration with like minded businesses and partners has never been more important to us, and we are very excited about the opportunities that the partnership wth Rhythm Japan will bring” said Gregory Hough, Owner and Managing Director of Explore Niseko.
We will introduce weekly events with the aim to create a platform for our supply partners to present and meet with guests in a fun, informal setting.
Rhythm Japan Base store, located in Hirafu is set to open on 7th December, 2019.
Please Help Us with This Special Survey: Akabira Orchid × JFE Engineering × Niseko Tourism
Niseko Tourism will be conducting a special survey for JFE Engineering Co, Ltd, and we would like to know our members' thoughts.
JFE Engineering Co. Ltd is considering to build a plant production facility in the area to develop and create new industries in Niseko. Please take some time to answer THIS SPECIAL SURVEY (Will only take 5 minutes) and let us know what you think about this new opportunity.
Inquiry:
Niseko Tourism: [email protected]
